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The warm Caribbean breezes are calling your name, but you have to endure a lengthy plane ride before you can enjoy them. If you're planning to escape a snowy winter or rainy spell at home, the clothes you'll need for the trip to the airport are far different from the clothing you'll need after you land, and you don't want to risk landing without Caribbean-appropriate clothing if your checked baggage is lost. Dressing strategically allows you to adjust your comfort level as you move from home to the plane to a warm Caribbean island.

Items you will need

Loose pants or skirt

Tank top

T-shirt

Sweater or sweatshirt

Socks

Slip-on shoes

Step 1

Wear a pair of long pants in a comfortable fabric, like pure cotton or a cotton twill. Avoid denim, since it's confining and will probably feel too hot when you arrive in the Caribbean. Women travelers may also opt to wear a skirt; pick a long one, since it will keep you warmer on the plane. Wear stockings or tights underneath for the first leg of the journey if you're flying out of a cold place and remove them in the bathroom before landing.

Step 2

Layer several lightweight pieces together on top. Wear a tank top or thin T-shirt closest to your skin, and wear a short- or long-sleeved T-shirt or button-up shirt on top. Finish with a sweater or light sweatshirt. Pick a top layer that zips or buttons up the front, since navigating a pullover sweater in a cramped plane seat is difficult. Remove the sweater if you're warm on the plane, then shed the middle layer when you arrive.

Step 3

Skip a belt unless your pants will fall down without it. Not only may a belt be uncomfortable, but it will be unwieldy during security screening since you'll have to take it off and put it back on again.

Step 4

Wear socks under slip-on shoes. Choose a pair of boat shoes or casual lightweight sneakers. Keep the socks on during security screening, so you don't have to walk around barefoot while your shoes go through the X-ray machine. Wearing socks on the plane also allows you to slip your shoes off for additional comfort. Take the socks off and slip them in your bag before landing in the Caribbean. Pull a pair of sandals out of your carry-on to change into or slip your sock-free feet back into your shoes.

Step 5

Leave some room in your carry-on bag to stuff anything you've removed during the flight. Stow your bathing suit, clean underwear and a pair of light pajamas in the bag in case your checked bag does get misplaced. Add sunblock, sunglasses, your medications and a paperback to the bag, and you'll be ready to hit the beach as soon as you land.

Tip

If you've ever been trapped in a window seat next to someone who seems to have bathed in perfume, you know how unpleasant strong smells can be on a plane. Skip the cologne and scented lotions before a flight and stick to soap and scented body wash instead.

References

About the Author

Cooking, travel and parenting are three of Kathryn Walsh's passions. She makes chicken nuggets during days nannying, whips up vegetarian feasts at night and road trips on weekends. Her work has appeared to The Syracuse Post-Standard and insider magazine. Walsh received a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.